Old Dominion Monarchs @ Indiana Hoosiers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 8/30/2025 2:30 PM EDT

We have your Old Dominion Monarchs @ Indiana Hoosiers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Old Dominion Monarchs hit the road to face the Indiana Hoosiers.

Old Dominion Monarchs @ Indiana Hoosiers Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: Indiana Hoosiers -2800 (Caesars), Old Dominion Monarchs +1400 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: Indiana Hoosiers -23.5 (-115) at Fanduel
Best Total Odds: Over 52.5 (-110) at Fanduel

Game Info

Date: 2025-08-30
Time: 2:30 PM ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
TV: FS1

Old Dominion Monarchs @ Indiana Hoosiers Preview

The Indiana Hoosiers, coming off their first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 with an 11-2 regular season record, are set to open their 2025 campaign at home against the Old Dominion Monarchs. The Hoosiers were a dominant force last season, averaging 41.3 points per game (second in college football) while giving up only 15.6 points per game (sixth). Under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has reloaded through the transfer portal and is looking to build on their success. They have been particularly strong at Memorial Stadium, boasting an 8-0 straight-up record in their last eight home games and a 9-1 record in their last 10 home contests, averaging 41.6 points per game while yielding just 12.9.

Fernando Mendoza steps in as the new starting quarterback for Indiana, inheriting an efficient offense that recorded 29 passing touchdowns last season. He'll have key weapons like running back Justice Ellison, who rushed for 848 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who averaged 18.1 yards per catch. Defensively, Indiana was aggressive against the run and limited big plays in 2024, returning All-Big Ten talent in edge rusher Mikail Kamara, linebacker Aiden Fisher, and cornerback D’Angelo Ponds.

The Old Dominion Monarchs finished the 2024 season with a 5-7 record. Under head coach Ricky Rahne, the Monarchs' offense was strong on the ground, ranking 14th nationally with 209.7 rushing yards per game. Dual-threat quarterback Colton Joseph returns after rushing for 647 yards and passing for 1,627 yards with 22 total touchdowns last season. However, they will be without leading rusher Aaron Young, who exhausted his eligibility, and have seen significant turnover at the wide receiver position. Old Dominion's defense is a unit in transition, particularly in the secondary, and struggled against the pass (102nd in yards allowed) and run (97th in yards allowed) last season, despite having strong linebackers like Jason Henderson, Koa Naotala, Mario Thompson, and Jaheel Culbreath.

While Old Dominion has shown resilience as a road underdog, covering in 8 of their last 11 away games, the matchup against a high-powered Indiana team at home presents a significant challenge. The Hoosiers are expected to take control early, and the quarterback matchup heavily favors Indiana due to the system and supporting cast Mendoza has at his disposal.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

This will be the first-ever matchup on the gridiron between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the Indiana Hoosiers.

Pick: Indiana Hoosiers -23.5

The Indiana Hoosiers are poised for a dominant performance in their season opener against the Old Dominion Monarchs. The Hoosiers finished last season with an impressive 11-2 record and made a College Football Playoff appearance, showcasing their ability to win consistently. Their home-field advantage at Memorial Stadium is significant, where they have won eight consecutive games and hold a 9-1 record in their last 10 home contests, averaging over 41 points per game. This offensive firepower, combined with a defense that ranked sixth nationally in points allowed last year, creates a formidable challenge for Old Dominion.

Old Dominion, while capable of moving the ball on the ground, faces a tough task against Indiana's aggressive defense. Their defensive struggles, particularly against the pass and run last season, will be exploited by Indiana's balanced attack led by new quarterback Fernando Mendoza and dynamic playmakers like Justice Ellison and Elijah Sarratt. The Hoosiers covered the spread in nine of their 13 games last year, demonstrating their ability to win convincingly. With a predicted score of Indiana 41, Old Dominion 13, the Hoosiers are well-positioned to cover the -23.5 spread. You can back the Indiana Hoosiers -23.5 at Fanduel.

Top Player Prop Picks

Fernando Mendoza (Indiana QB) - Passing Yards

As the new starting quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza steps into a high-octane offense that averaged 41.3 points per game last season and recorded 29 passing touchdowns. While specific prop lines are not available, Mendoza completed 68.7% of his passes in 2024 at Cal, and he inherits a strong supporting cast and offensive line in Indiana. Old Dominion's defense struggled against the pass last season, ranking 102nd in passing yards allowed. This matchup provides an excellent opportunity for Mendoza to have a strong debut and exceed his passing yards projection.

Justice Ellison (Indiana RB) - Rushing Yards

Justice Ellison is a key component of Indiana's balanced offensive attack. Last season, he rushed for 848 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 65.2 yards per game. The Old Dominion Monarchs' defense ranked 97th nationally in rushing yards allowed last year, indicating a potential vulnerability on the ground. Given Indiana's strong home performance and their tendency to establish the run, Ellison is a prime candidate to have a productive day on the ground and surpass his rushing yards total.

Elijah Sarratt (Indiana WR) - Receiving Yards

Elijah Sarratt is Indiana's primary big-play threat in the passing game. Last season, he recorded 53 receptions for 957 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 18.1 yards per catch. Old Dominion's secondary is a unit in transition and struggled significantly against opposing passing games in 2024. With Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, Sarratt should see plenty of targets and has the potential for explosive plays, making him a strong candidate to exceed his receiving yards projection.